I’ll spare you the angry rant about how ridiculously offensive the premise of the article is. Another xoJane writer Piadid an excellent job of that. To sum up the article, the writer Jen Caron goes on and on about how a heavyset black female behind her appeared uncomfortable at her yoga class. That, in turn, made her uncomfortable (and eventually made her go home and cry. Yes, cue the violins.) I’ll also refrain from making jokes about how this exact frame of mind could be flipped & reversed to overtly marginalize the “skinny white girl” – this girl KazzleDazz did an excellent job of that with her “It Happened To Me: There Are No White People in My Twerk-Out Class” article. I cried real tears.

Are They Really Bothered?

Anyway, what I really love about this controversy and debate is that it opens up the conversation about women with curves and the fitness “struggle”. As a woman of color AND a woman with curves (also considered plus sized by American standards), I was taken aback by the notion that me walking into an Upper East Side yoga studio could potentially incite feelings of offense or discomfort for my non-black/non-curvy yoga classmates. NOT to say that this actually happens regularly. I understand that this was written by ONE woman with ONE opinion – her own. But just the idea that this woman’s point of view could potentially represent the views of a large population of women who attend these classes makes me wonder if I SHOULD feel weird or uncomfortable in a setting like that.

Are We Really Self-Conscious?

The debate also makes me wonder how many of us women of color or women with curves actually FEEL like the “heavyset woman” described in this article. I remember a year ago I purchased a Groupon for a very popular Kettlebell Kickboxing class in downtown Manhattan. No, it wasn’t January and it wasn’t part of my New Year’s resolutions. I just wanted to try something new in my quest to get in shape. I’m not a “treadmill & weights” kinda girl. I hate the gym and would much rather burn calories at a party, so I took it as an opportunity to try something new.

I do vaguely remember walking in and being overwhelmed at how fit everyone in the class was. After all this was a class for “all levels” so I assumed there would be more women of varying sizes and shapes. But the class was overwhemingly dominated by thin, toned blonde girls. Honestly, I thought about it for all of 5 seconds. And then I was over it! No long pondering. No running to the corner of the class or curling up in a ball.

Let’s be clear. I’ve spent the better part of my life (going to a specialized high school in NYC, then to an Ivy league school, then working in corporate America) being surrounded by women just like this. Women who look nothing like me, come from a seemingly different world/background and don’t have to deal with the challenges of being a triple minority. Many of these women became good friends of mine throughout the year. IT JUST DOESN’T BOTHER ME THAT I’M DIFFERENT. I did my workout, had a great time, and thanked the instructor afterward who made sure to let me know I did great for my first time. I mean, it just…wasn’t THAT serious. I certainly hope I didn’t make any of my classmates run home and cry in despair. So you can probably understand my bewilderment when I read that article from Jen Caron. Jen, girl. Honey boo boo. I guarantee that “heavyset black woman” was not thinking about you. So why were you thinking about her? Sigh. That’s my three cents on the topic.

This is my experience, but what are your thoughts on the xoJane yoga article controversy? Do YOU ever feel uncomfortable in your fitness class due to your race or size? Soundoff below!

This Sunday, February 2nd at 4:30PM EST join us on Twitter @LoveBrownSugar for an #LBSLounge chat about fitness and curves as it pertains to women of color. We want to hear from you!

Facebook Comments

BeH20

Thank you! Well said. I too am plus size, take yoga, tai chi, and generally just like moving. Anytime I’m the new grrl, it’s a little sweaty palms, but I just dive in anyway. But that is me; if I think someone is staring at me, I’m more likely to act up than hide lol. I am also the grrl who will say hi, and try to make the newcomers feel at home. The one time I remember being truly uncomfortable was in a martial arts class as the only female, but I survived it.

Tam

Interesting article, today was my 1st day attending a similar class and I’m the only brown girl, that I’ve seen so far. I often find myself doing things where I’m the only brown girl. I’m really confident so being in this setting doesn’t bother me at all. I’m the type of girl that will take myself to a movie and eat dinner out alone. The instructor made me feel really comfortable and encouraged me throughout the course. I’m not trying to make any new friends, I just want to exercise and get back to my business.

The Get Fit Diva

I will definitely be listen for this #LBSLounge chat! I pretty much created my blog out of the need to connect with others on their healthier living journeys and to be accountable for my own. Often I am the only woman of color in my fitness classes and I often feel bigger (and taller and bustier!) than some of the others though I am fit, healthy, and in my mind–fabulous. At the end of the day, it is MIND over matter. I love being active and I am well aware that women of all sizes and colors have their own personal battles at the gym. As a yoga lover, I was appalled at the xoJane article. I am not paying mind to NO ONE during my practice. It is my time (I’m not working, chasing after my sons, cleaning, etc) to just enjoy and if I can’t get a move, I try and attempt something else. I’m sorry (that I’m not sorry) the writer felt that way and I echo many of the sentiments of Black Girls Guide to Weight Loss and Big Girl Blog. Don’t worry about others at the gym–enjoy your time there, be encouraging if you see fit, but most importantly make sure you are in an environment you can thrive in.

Shaloma

there has been so much talk about this and i just bumped into the most hilariously written satirical response. There are no white people in my Twerk Out Class and I’m Suddenly Feeling Uncomfortable with it. Love it–highlights how ridiculous the first piece was.

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